In today’s fast-paced digital world, automotive dealerships are under immense pressure to modernize their service operations while delivering exceptional customer experiences. This is where Xtime, a leading fixed-ops solution from Cox Automotive, comes in. Designed to streamline every step of the service process—from appointment scheduling to check-out—Xtime empowers dealerships to boost efficiency, transparency, and customer retention.

In this article, we’ll explore what Xtime is, its key features, benefits, how it works, and why it’s become the go-to platform for thousands of dealerships worldwide.

What Is Xtime?

Xtime is a cloud-based software platform tailored specifically for automotive dealerships to manage their service departments. It integrates scheduling, check-in, digital inspections, customer communications, and payment processing into a unified system. It helps dealerships enhance customer engagement, improve operational efficiency, and generate higher revenue through increased service retention and upselling opportunities.

Xtime is trusted by over 8,000 dealerships and is integrated with more than 29 automotive OEMs, making it one of the most comprehensive and widely adopted service platforms in the industry.

The Xtime Platform: A Four-Pillar Approach

Xtime delivers its functionality through a suite of integrated solutions, each focusing on a core area of the service lifecycle:

1. Xtime Invite – Marketing and Appointment Reminders

Xtime Invite helps dealerships fill their service bays by intelligently managing marketing outreach. Through automated email and SMS campaigns, it reminds customers of upcoming service needs, past due maintenance, or promotions.

• Targeted campaigns based on customer behavior and vehicle data

• Multi-channel outreach (email, SMS)

  

• Integrated appointment scheduling links

• Enhanced ROI through timely, relevant messaging

2. Xtime Schedule – Easy, Convenient Booking

Schedule is the customer-facing booking tool that allows clients to schedule service appointments anytime, anywhere. It provides real-time availability and ensures a seamless experience across devices.

• Online, in-app, or in-vehicle scheduling

• Mobile-friendly interface

• Intelligent load balancing to optimize shop capacity

• Integration with DMS (Dealer Management Systems)

3. Xtime Engage – Digital Check-In and Approvals

Xtime Engage transforms the in-dealership check-in process into a digital, touch-friendly experience. It empowers service advisors to provide transparent service recommendations with clear pricing, while also capturing customer consent electronically.

• iPad-based check-in for advisors

• Real-time service menu presentation

• Upsell opportunities with pricing transparency

• Communication via SMS or email

• Fast approvals for additional services

4. Xtime Inspect – Digital Multi-Point Inspections

Inspect brings clarity and professionalism to the technician’s role by replacing paper-based inspections with tablet-powered digital inspections. This improves trust and enables more effective service recommendations.

• Tablet-based inspections with photos and videos

• Easy-to-understand visuals for customers

• Customizable inspection forms

• Real-time updates to service advisors and customers

Xtime Text Marketing (Add-On)

In addition to the core modules, Xtime offers a Text Marketing tool as an extension of Invite. This feature capitalizes on the high engagement rates of SMS communication to boost response rates for service campaigns.

• Compliant with TCPA guidelines

• Tracks opt-ins/opt-outs and campaign analytics

• Includes short links to appointment pages

• 98% open rate, 45%+ response rate (compared to traditional email)

Integration Capabilities

One of Xtime’s biggest strengths is its seamless integration with major Dealer Management Systems (DMS) like:

• CDK Global

• Dealertrack

• PBS Systems

• Reynolds and Reynolds (limited support)

These integrations allow for real-time data synchronization across systems—eliminating redundancy and reducing the chance of human error. It also integrates with payment processors like Vantiv (now Worldpay) to facilitate contactless, secure transactions right at the service lane.

Mobile & Remote Access

Xtime’s mobile app, Xtime Mobile, supports service advisors and technicians with on-the-go access to work orders, vehicle history, and customer communications. Customers can also use their smartphones to:

• Book appointments

• Approve repairs

• Pay for services

• Communicate directly with advisors

This ensures a modern, contactless service experience that matches consumer expectations in 2025.

Benefits of Using Xtime for Dealerships

1. Improved Customer Satisfaction

By providing digital scheduling, transparent communication, and mobile payment options, Xtime creates a frictionless service experience that customers value.

2. Increased Service Revenue

Dealerships using Xtime report higher upsell rates due to visual-based inspections and faster customer approvals.

3. Operational Efficiency

From load balancing to technician workflows, Xtime reduces manual tasks and administrative bottlenecks. Service bays are utilized more effectively, and advisors have more time for customer engagement.

4. Enhanced Retention Rates

Automated reminders and targeted marketing keep your dealership top-of-mind, bringing customers back more often for regular maintenance and repairs.

5. Faster Payment and Checkout

Digital payment options at check-out save time and reduce friction—resulting in a more streamlined experience for customers and staff.

Real-World Results

Dealerships that adopt Xtime often see measurable improvements within the first few months:

• 8-10% increase in service retention

• 25% reduction in no-show appointments

• Faster approval time for additional work (some under 7 minutes)

• Up to $13,000 per month in additional revenue through ASR (Additional Service Recommendations)

These results vary by store size and staff training, but the platform has a proven track record of delivering returns on investment.

User Feedback and Industry Insights

While many users praise Xtime for its robust feature set and customer-friendly interface, some report occasional integration issues, especially when dealing with older DMS systems. Others mention a learning curve for service advisors when switching from legacy software.

Pros:

• Easy to use, customer-focused design

• Improves communication and accountability

• Enables quick ROI through upselling

Cons:

• May require DMS support or upgrades

• Backend speed/performance may vary based on setup

• Ongoing staff training needed to maximize value

Is Xtime Right for Your Dealership?

Xtime is best suited for franchised dealerships that:

• Have a high volume of service appointments

• Want to improve the customer experience

• Need better insights into technician productivity

• Want to unify communication and booking into one system

Independent shops or small operations may find it overpowered for their needs, but for mid-size to large service centers, Xtime offers enterprise-level capabilities with a clean, intuitive interface.

How to Get Started with Xtime

1. Visit xtime.com and request a demo.

2. Discuss your current DMS, service volume, and customer engagement strategy.

3. Set up core modules (Invite, Schedule, Engage, Inspect).

4. Train service advisors, technicians, and marketing teams.

5. Go live and monitor KPIs (RO count, retention rate, appointment fill rates).

In an increasingly competitive fixed-ops environment, dealerships can’t afford to overlook the service experience. Xtime offers a proven path toward better service department performance, happier customers, and stronger revenue streams. With tools that enhance every stage of the customer journey—from booking to check-out—Xtime gives your dealership a clear edge.